Thank you for your interest in our Academy Travel Seminars for 2024-2025. 

The educational value and social experiences which our teens receive by participating in our Academy travel programs is unparalleled. Temple Israel is there committed to ensuring that any member teen who wishes to travel has the opportunity to do so. Therefore, the out-of-pocket cost to Temple Israel families is graciously subsidized, and additional scholarships may be available for those enrolled in our All-Access program. Financial expense should be not the deciding factor in a family’s decision. 

8th and 9th graders will travel together with teens from Stephen Wise Free Synagogue & Temple Emanu-El to Arizona to explore issues of immigration justice and border security. Together with our travel partner, Tzedek America, we will meet with organizations and people directly affected by the flow of migrants crossing into the United States. We will explore what happens when immigration and enforcement collide; how can we uphold the central Jewish principle, “Do not oppress the stranger,” when the stranger is in violation of federal law? As we seek to answer this question, we will meet with ICE and border patrol agents, asylum seekers, activists, politicians, DACA recipients, and humanitarians. The trip will depart in the early morning of Friday, February 14 and return in the early evening of Monday, February 17.

10^th-12^th graders will travel together with teens from Stephen Wise Free Synagogue & Temple Emanu-El to Israel, our spiritual homeland. We will explore the rich tapestry of culture and religious heritage as we visit iconic sites, diverse landscapes, and engage in meaningful discussions. Embark on a transformative journey in our immersive seminar designed to help better connect our teens with the land and people of Israel, while also preparing them for college level discussions that reflect the complexities and nuances of the region. Together we will discover the vibrant history and diverse landscapes that shape the soul of this ancient land. The trip will depart in the early evening of December 21 and return in the early morning of December 31.